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Obesity & Me

Describe your behavioral and emotional battle with weight control before learning about bariatric surgery.

I had given up, and resigned to the fact I would be heavy rest of my life. I knew my quatliy of life was poor, I had high blood pressure, bad knees, depression, and just generlally hurt all over

What was (is) the worst thing about being overweight?

Not able to hold my Grandchildren in my lap, because I didn't have one. Always wondering if a chair would hold me. Looking around when we went out to eat to see if I fit in a booth. too fat for an airplane seat. Always the heaviest at any event. Never able to wear cute clothes. Embarassed to be seen by my husband of 41 years without clothing on.

If you have had weight loss surgery already, what things do you most enjoy doing now that you weren't able to do before?

Where do I start, exercising, sex, walking without legs rubbing together, getting up out of chair, fitting in a chair, fitting, and room left over in an airplane, running, energy to spare, its wonderful

How did you first find out about bariatric surgery and what were your initial impressions of it?

I heard of Carnie Wilson, and related to her because of my childhood etc. I felt there was hope.

Describe your experience with getting insurance approval for surgery. What advice, if any, do you have for other people in this stage?

I made the appt myself with the clinic, they took care of all the paper work etc, I started in March of 01, and had the surgery in Oct 01, which I think was rather quick. We had BC/BS with GM at the time, they paid for all of it, I am so thankful, everyday I thank the Lord that I was able to have the surgery

What was your first visit with your surgeon like? How can people get the most out of this meeting?

Go prepared with questions, write them down, I took my husband so i wouldn't forget things, I had read up on it as much as I could, be informed, don't be afraid to ask any kind of question. Dr Daberdeen was so good to answer anything I asked, and was very kind, and went through everything with us.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I knew the first day I went, I had already made up my mind this was for me, Carnie Wilsons story helped me greatly

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

The Dr recommended the rny, at that time they were not doing any other, since then I believe they do the band, but he said the rny would give the best long term results

What fears did you have about having complications or even dying from from the surgery, and what would you tell other people having the same fears now?

None, if you trust the Dr's and they have done many s surgeries, it was a good hospital, great trama center, and be informed as much as you can.

How did your family and friends react to your decision? Would you have communicated anything differently if you could now? How supportive were they after your surgery?

My 2 sons didn't think I should have had it, my 2 girls were thrilled, now everyone is so happy for me, because they know I will be happier, healthier, and around for all the kids much longer than I would have at the heavier weight. My husband has been my biggest fan throughout the whole time, I can never tell him how much I appreicate all his love and compliments he is still giving me.

How did your employer/supervisor react to your decision? What did you tell him/her? How long were you out of work?

I had just retired, had the surgery, and then took a new job about 3 months later, they were wonderful to me, very interested in how and what I ate, supported me wholly.

What was your stay in the hospital like? How long where you there? What things are most important to bring?

I had a roomate going thru it at the sametime, we both stayed 4 days, really there wasn't anything I needed, you didn't feel like doing much, other than walking, slept alot, bring your own housecoats, slip on slippers, maybe body spray, things to make yourself feel good, books, etc

Did you have any complications from the surgery? If so, how did you deal with them?

The worst part was the tube down your nose into your stomach, it had to stay for several days until they x-rayed you for possible leaks. AFter that came out if was great. I also developed a wound in my incision that wouldn't heal, I had such a large amount of fat on my stomach area, so the incision wouldn't close good, so I developed an infection, that was bad, had a nurse come in daily and change the bandages etc, I couldn't see it, it was too low, and my husband doesn't do well with gross things, (Ha) but it cleared up after a couple of months, I actually went to work with drains in, and the incision still open and did fine.

In the weeks after you got your surgery date, how did you feel? How did you cope with any anxiety you might have felt?

I was never worried, just anxious to get it over with, I attended some meetings, that helped motivate me, and answered some questions. I worked until Sept01, we moved up North, then came back down to Flint for the surgery Oct 15, 2001

Describe your first few weeks home from the hospital. What should people expect from this period?

You feel really bad, sore, not able to do much, a little depressed, but as I got stronger, and the weight starting rolling off I felt better, It was hard sleeping, and getting comfortable. It was an adjustment eating a few bites, and being full, seemed like you were drinking or eating all the time, but just tiny bits. You had better be ready to just lay back and take care of yourself, especially if you have the open gastric bypass, many now are having the laprosocbic and I'm sure the recovery time is much quicker

How far did you travel to have your surgery? (If far, how did this affect your aftercare?)

We lived about 3 hours from Flint, I stayed in Flint at my sons for one night after coming home from the hospital, then we drove to Traverse City where we lived. I drove down again once a month, it was fine because we had family in the Flint area

Please describe in detail what things you could and couldn't eat in the weeks and months following surgery. What foods have been off limits? Please explain how your dietary tolerance changed week-by-week, and then month-by-month since surgery.

Its hard to remember everything, but I remember any dense meat, tuna, ham etc, just wouldn't digest. If you ate anything too fast that was a big mistake, you payed dearly for it, terrible sweats, pain in stomach, wanted to throw up, but couldn't you learned quickly what not to eat, and what to eat. Lots of protein drinks, little bits of eggs, no breads, lots of water, juices, popsciles sf, yogurt, and then later, ate what my husband had, but never, never drank with my meal, that was the hardest thing not to do, but if you do, it makes you sick, and it also washes the food out quicker, and you want to eat again. Also, never drink any sodas, pop, anything with fizz in it, it bloats you terrible, I can't eat pasta, it feels too full, I still try not to eat breads, they are too filling, and not what I need, Protein always first, vegs, fruits, and don't keep anything in the house that tempts you, I made my husband hide all his junk foods, now that doesn't both me, I just never got into eating lots of junk stuff, I left that behind me, that's where is belongs, that was my problem before, besides just overeating in general, especially at night after work, eating late, wrong foods, and going to bed. I still have hard time getting in all my water, but try each and everyday to.

What was your actvity level in the days and weeks after surgery?

Not very much except get up and walk around the first couple of weeks, then back to work and on my feet, up and down stairs etc. Now do anything, and everything I want, love to shop, exercise, always have energy

What vitamins and/or dietary supplements have you taken since your surgery?

GNC Womens Multi Vits, E's, B's, and Calcium, with my DR's approval. Still have protein bars once and a while, and protein drinks on days I'm in a hurry

What aftercare support group/program do you have? How helpful/important is this?

Went to some support meetings right afterwards, but they never dealt much with those who had gone thru the surgery, more towards those who were having, or thinking of having surgery. The woman in charge let too many of the same ones ask all the questions, and talk at great lengths about other things, problems not relating to wls, no didn't go anymore after the first year. Thinking of getting into a support group here in Fl. I get on obesity.com alot, read message boards, get hints, helpful ideas, read alot of books, magazines for wls patients etc

What is your scar like? Is this what you expected?

It isn't bad at all, I had a tummy tuck, about a yr after, I don't have a belly button they didn't think it would work out, they had to remove so much excess skin. I am happy

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I have never had any, weight came off fast, unbelieveable. I have lost almost 140pds, and kept it off almost 6 yrs in Oct 07

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

The one thing I noticed that people don't move when I go down an aisle, that was hurtful before, but I was so big I can understand it. I get alot of compliments now, for an older lady that is nice.
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Before & After
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